Jada :congrat: You GO girl! A nice non-food reward is in order :)

Hi all - hope your Sunday is going well! We have a quiet day planned with church this morning, grocery shopping and then getting some things done around the house. We have a potluck at church tonight with our Lenten study :yikes: Potlucks still scare me!

:yay: JADA :high: Hitting those new decades make everything sooooo worthwhile.

Okay, I won't bother spitting and hissing in my usual tirade about the joys of daylight savings time. Why would I want to branch out like that when I can still complain about the weather. :lol: It snowed most of the day and it's looking so fresh and pretty out there. :s:

Hey Jada! :cp: :cp: :cp:

Good going!

The trip went OK. My partner felt well enough to go along and got to see some friends. Food was going OK, but I let myself get too hungry a couple of times. That's a big problem for me. I didn't overeat during the traveling, but after we got back home I did end up over my calorie target for the day. But, it's just one day out of three weeks, and I'll probably get it evened out quickly. I've been on-plan today.

Went to the gym today, too! That was the other thing--I had thought I'd go for a walk or some such yesterday, but time got too tight for that.

So the time change makes me feel even more behind than I had been. The alarm went off sooooo early! And every time I look at the clock today it's a shock... So, meowee, did I get in the hissing and spitting for you? :lol:

See ya...

Jay

Hi, may I join your group? I used to belong to 3FC but got busy with life and work and drifted away...now I feel like I would like to support that I used to get here...

Intro-I'm 66, retired from my desk job last year after getting certified as a personal trainer, and started doing training focusing on seniors...now do training at a number of retirement centers plus taking on private clients. espec those with problems with arthritis, parkinsons, ms, etc. I am also an artist and trying to get back into my art.

Even with all the exercise I do, I am about 20 lbs overweight, and with a family history of diabetes and heart problems, i need to drop that weight. I've started following a plan that I read about in a diet book by Beck; forget her first name, based on cognitive theory, where I use all kinds of written aids to help me build up my resistence "muscle". So far (1 week) it's working, but she also suggests finding a diet "buddy". I thought perhaps checking in here would be helpful.

Guess that's about it...

Welcome LivingandThriving: I'm new too. I'm very happy I joined this thread.
I was very impressed that you made a career change to a personal trainer. Good for you!!
Jay: I'm glad your trip went well. I was looking forward to hearing how it went. It's tough to stay on a meal plan when you walk out your front door.
Meowee: The fresh snow sounds beautiful. It's been cold and windy here. It was so warm I had to turn on the air conditioner, and then yesterday I had to turn the heat back on.
Thanks everybody for the applause. I'm pretty happy with myself. Shocked, but happy.

Morning all! I find it interesting how now that I've started keeping a log of my eating, I conveniently "forget" to write down my cheats. Yesterday I had lunch out with a friend and that night wrote down all I ate of the meal....but totally forgot to write down the slice of bread with butter I also ate...wasn't until this morning when I woke that I remembered it. Gotta fight that forgetting.

Susan

Hey Susan! :welcome2:

There's a Beck's thread going on 3FC, in case you'd like to check that out. It's over in General Diet Plans. Here's a link:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=165708

But I hope you'll post with us also! :D BillBlueEyes of the Beck's thread drops in here from time to time.

Jay

Yesterday, I noticed a positive change in my attitude. I feel good about myself that I'm finally losing weight. Last night, I realized that my past year of letting go of my sons is paying off. I was able to laugh at myself. I was able to sit and enjoy being with my son because I wasn't worrying about him and wondering how to fix him. Last night I noticed he wasn't in a hurry to get away from me. We talked and laughed. I listen now instead of lecturing and focusing on what he wants instead of what I want. So much easier. I made mistakes and he will too.
It's still cold and windy.

:welcome: SUSAN . . . we are the same age, but definitely not the same weight and not the same activity level either. :lol:

Happy to say I have managed to string 8 (almost 9) days of good eating together and have seen that elusive 210 appear on the scale. Hope I can continue to hold things together because I so want to see that nice new decade again that I glimpsed momentarily last September. :crossed:

Oh . . . it's cold (just below freezing) and :sunny: -- supposed to continue like this tomorrow.

Have a good day, gang . . . :carrot:

Jay - I have the same problem when I go too long without eating. I keep snacks in my car and purse and I've been known to eat a protein bar in the strangest places - in fact, I was munching on one during the sermon yesterday. It wouldn't have been so bad - except I sit in the front because of my hearing :o I was about 3 feet from the pastor.

Susan :welcome: Glad you joined us! I found logging my eating was a real eye-opener. And, it really did keep me from eating those extras on more than one occasion. Just knowing I had to log it, and the day would forever show that I went over my calories ...

Jada - how wonderful that you had a good visit with your son. What a great way to start the week!

Linda - AWESOME! Keep at it! You will be in that decade for real!!!! And Onederland is next :D

A busy but good day here. Work was intense, but I did work out when I got home. I did well at the potluck last night :D And the dog devoured the plate of brownies that a neighbor brought over. How he climbed as high as he did, I will never know. 11 years old and he is still a pup! Thankfully, chocolate doesn't seem to phase him. This was not his first sneak treat :(

Hope you are having a good start to the week!

Jay, thanks for the info on the Beck thread. It's the first program that's ever worked for me....well, all of two weeks worth. I don't do the eating plan but do the cognitive stuff....the cards and the food/mood logging in.

Meowee, congrats on the weight change. even numbers are so much more satisfying.

Jada, great about your time with your son....hard to accept them where they're at and whatever situation without worrying or wanting to make better.

Well, it's heading into the bewitching hour beyond which I cannot eat 8 pm. Am going to have some raw veggies and brush my teeth so i'm not tempted by anything.

Have a nice evening all.

Susan

Congratulations Meowee on reaching the "elusive" 210. That's so exciting!!!:carrot:
CountingDown: Good idea about keeping a protein bar in purse. I'm going to start doing that when I know I won't be home for over three hours. :hug:
Susan: I'm glad for you the Beck food plan is working for you!!!!:hug:
Hugs to you Jay for your success in 12 step programs:hug:

Good Morning all,

Lovely day, if you like rain. We did get a nice day yesterday, lots of sunshine.

Susan, Journaling is a great idea. It helps you think things through and it helps you realize your mistakes. i know I found it very helpful. I didn't realize how many calories I was really eating!

Jada, It's hard to let kids go and make their own mistakes. We want to save them from all that. But they have to grow on their own. I carry protein bars in my purse and in the car all the time also. It's saved me a lot of trips through fast food drive in's. If you're going to be out for awhile you might even want to throw some fruit in there too, something you can eat quickly.

Linda, congratulations!!! All that hard work does pay off!

Hi Laurie, nothing like a plate of brownies to bring back the pup in and old dog!!

Freda

Morning all! Overcast but still pretty mild here in MD. Looks like we'll be getting rain as well, Freda.

Made a meatloaf this am...turkey/blackrice curried meatloaf, with mango chutney on top. delish and 320 cal a portion. Have been looking for a great meatloaf recipe for years and think this one is it for me. Had some ground turkey left over so added to Trader Joe's Bombay simmer sauce along with kale, fresh minced ginger and onion, and white beans. Also really good. First time used the TJ sauce.

I find that v-8 juice cans and string cheese work for me as snacks when I'm on the go...protein bars just make me crave more crunch and carbs.

Off to teach.

Susan

I keep hearing about V-8 juice. I haven't tried any for over 20 years because of the salt content. I guess I'll have to check it out again to see if they make low salt now. Susan, your meatloaf sounded so good.
I keep apples/bananas in my car when traveling out of town to visit family. I never thought about doing the same thing when I'm in town.
This week I'm going to focus on "really" listening to people. I've been so focused on my writing and eating, I haven't reached out to others except to do fun stuff with my grandkids. They appreciate me.

Jada, you are so lucky to have grandkids in town, I have to fly to Arkansas to visit them. I'm totally envious.

Total amazement at lunch time. I have the unfortunate habit of craving some sort of "finale" to my meals....think it comes from growing up with a family that always had desserts for lunch and dinner. Usually it's a fruit or yogurt and fruit. Today, I just ate lunch and am so stuffed I couldn't even consider dessert, nor even crave it. And it's not like it was such a huge lunch. Had a 1 1/2 cup's worth of steamed vegetables and two tuna/cheese mini quiches (238 cals for both). And I am sooo full. It's a true miracle!!!!
Hope it continues.

Great picture Susan!!! I found low-sodium V-8 juice. Tastes pretty good.

Another sunny day for northeastern Nova Scotia and I spent most of it out and about.

Thanks for the congratulations gang and I'm happy to report that I did NOT bounce upward this morning and I'm also happy to say I did NOT buy any thing off plan during my travels -- chocolate bunnies were calling to me though. :yikes: I came home and ate yogurt instead. :lol:

Hi all, hope you are having a good day!
A busy one here. My car developed a "clunk" so I spent part of it at the dealer getting it fixed. Thankfully they had the part it needed in stock. :)

Eating has been back on track after eating out 4 times last week. I'm up a lb., but restaurant food and potlucks usually do that to me. I'm betting I'll be back down by the weekend :crossed:

We are supposed to get 50-60 mph winds tonight, so I hoping we don't lose power. Usually those storms mean power outages around here. I'm getting things in order - just in case.

I'm ready for spring. I need to mix up my workouts a bit - I'm getting in a rut. I can't wait to walk outside again! Speaking of which - DH has worn out his Yak Trax. Does anyone have a different brand that they like better for walking in the snow and ice?

Have a good evening all! I've got another church meeting tonight, so I won't be back.

Susan, when you talk about forgetting dessert, I did the same thing when I first signed up at 3FC. I went to my favorite mexican restaurant specifically to get their fried ice cream, and I totally forgot about it until I got out in the parking lot.
Having a good day. No ice or snow. I'm worried about the 60 mile winds in Michigan. That's pretty scary. I hope everything goes okay.
Car problems are a pain in the pocket book.
Chocolate and peanut butter bunnies are my downfall every Easter and Christmas. Only Reese's. I can pass up everything else.

Hi all, I love the snack discussion. It sure is my downfall. Any favorite protein bars?

I've been very busy and looking forward to spring. Have a great day.

Meowee and Jada congrats on the weight loss.
Susan welcome
Lori

Hey Freda and Lori! :wave:

I had taken foods with me on our trip--but sometimes you're sitting in someone's kitchen and realize you forgot to have your snack right before the appointment, and they have taken a phone call and it's taking them 20 minutes, and you're flat-out starving! And the thing is, that's not when I go off plan. Hours later is when I end up with the munchies. :(

One of my current favorite protein bar brands is South Beach Living High-Protein Bars. Decent amount of protein compared to others, and quite tasty. Some might find them too sweet tasting, though. I think they may use sugar alcohols for the sweet taste--haven't checked--but they aren't high carb. They have twice as much protein as a Kashi bar, and lower carbs.

Yesterday was my last trainer session, so now I'm on my own for awhile. :faint: It's about time, too!

See ya!
Jay

I'm having a hungry day today, but so far I'm resisting. The evening is only just beginning though.

How did I know there was a full moon last night? I woke up to a full double roll of TP unfurled throughout the house; every cabinet door and drawer in the bathroom standing open and stuff scattered all over the room; and just so the rest of the house wasn't ignored--the garbage under the kitchen counter (yes inside the cabinet) was upset and a couple of artificial plants in the sunroom had been dragged around a bit; guess the cats thought they needed to be relocated. Glad they had fun. Did you know that having pets has been proven to lower your blood pressure? :s:

We did have a sunny start to the day, but it has clouded over this afternoon and there is more wet snow in the forecast. :mad:

Beautiful day today. There was a thin woman next to me, who was older than I at the grocery store today. She had about six large family packs of steaks and potato chips and other goodies. I wonder how people buy so much food and stay thin. They must not eat it all at one sitting like I do. Now I only buy what I can carry in my own two hands.
I was thinking today (dangerous) that when I was young I was thin because I didn't have as much money to buy food ( and I was a lot more active). Now that I have money for food, I can't enjoy it, because I have to worry about my weight. The good thing I'm learning is that I can eat what I want, I just have to keep it at 1600 calories.

Like Jay, I like the South Beach High Protein bars. The peanut butter are my favorite.

I also like the Kashi fruit and grain bars - 120 cals, but less protein than the 140 cal. SB bars.

DH likes the Balance 100 calorie snack bars. They remind me of a candy bar - particularly the chocolate caramel ones. They are satisfying for 100 calories if they don't trigger a binge.

I have also made my own using Nessa's oatmeal bar recipe as a base and adding some of my own touches. I make a big batch and freeze them :)

I do NOT like the meal replacement bars - my rule for a snack bar is under 150 cals.

Jay - you will do great on your own - you are one of the most tenacious exercisers I've met online :yes:

Linda :lol: We have a cat that adores TP as well. One time he got it so wrapped up around the dog that we thought that the cat had surely kidnapped him and tied him up with TP.

Jada - I have found that I actually enjoy food MORE now than I ever did when I was 200+ lbs. I enjoy what I eat, and even the act of eating far more than ever :)

A good day here. I did end up working a 10 hour shift, but I cleared a couple projects off my plate - which is always satisfying. And that pesky lb. did disappear today :D
The weather is still frightful, but I pulled all the shades, and I'm enjoying some tea. Something about a cup of tea that always makes the winter chills more tolerable.

We finally have a quiet night at home planned - of course it includes a couple hours of wii ;)

Hope you had a good hump day!

Good evening all. Hard at work here. :comp:
Everyone seems to be doing so great. Maybe it was the full moon but I have been in a funk. Seems to be lifting. Phew. I am trying to stay OP and am not doing too badly. :hun:
It is sunny here but very cold. The gym seems to be eluding me. Well to be honest I have this ongoing eye injury that has really left me on the side lines. My one eye has a cornea abrasion so to speak and is constantly watering. I am walking around half the time with it closed. The cornea specialist has run out of ideas and is sending me back to the doctor I came from to start all over. It makes me really tired and grumpy. :?:
Seems like I spend more time sitting in a doctors office than anywhere else. I am going to go to the gym this weekend and see how that goes.
I ran my food plan through fitday and it is coming up at 1600 calories. It is the calories that get added on by mistake that are the killers.

Glad to see Linda and Jada losing congrats. Jay are you going to keep up the workout from the trainer? How about the food plan?
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. It can be done and you are all doing fantastic. I want to get to the 220's by the end of the month so better get moving. Was going to go do some aquasize but now am nervous about this eye in the pool so will stick to the gym for now.
Was watching Biggest Loser this week and they recommended Fiber One bars. Said they had almost half your recommended fiber for the day.
Myself I tend to stay away from them as they are all pretty sweet. Too much like a chocolate bar.

Seems like winter is having a tough time letting go.
Cheers.....Jude.

Great Linda on losing the "pesky" pound.:)
Sorry Jude about your eye. I hope, somehow, it heals itself.:hug:

Jude, sorry to hear about your eye....hope the doctors find something to help.
Meowee, your cats are definitely individuals with personalities! Worse then kids, or maybe equally as bad.

Yesterday I was able to get into a pair of dress pants....and button the waist...first time in I can't remember. Felt good, tho' am still half a pound from dropping into 155. I've been holding steady for almost a week. Today's my day to really push the exercise and maintain the mouth control.

Hi folks!

hijude, I had a "corneal abrasion" once that turned out to be a viral infection. Sort of like having shingles in the eye. Once I got the right drops to treat that, it cleared up. I did have to wear an eyepatch for awhile, though. In fact, I did my admissions interview for grad school wearing the eyepatch. "Arrrrr! I likes yer program, matey!"

Here it is time for me to renew my Florida Orchestra seats for the next season--and because of the schedule I chose for this season, I've only been to one concert so far! The rest are later this month, April, and May. But they have some good programs coming up. I imagine like everything else they are strapped for cash.

The trainer didn't really give me any kind of handouts for the exercises he had me doing--I guess it isn't really part of it. One is supposed to learn by doing... :dunno: But I do remember most of it. Also I have as a handout his interval training regimen. Because I've been going to the gym for years, I pretty much know things to do while I'm there--mostly he gave me some new alternative type things: core exercises, different kinds of lifts and squats, and so on. I may hire him again in a few months.

My food program is a constant--why, my plan is better than what he gave me! Even with the Lean Cuisines. So there. :lol:

I'm tired today. I think tomorrow has to be a rest day from the gym. I could hardly make it 30 minutes in step class. :faint:

But, I did treat myself to a whole-body massage this afternoon. :D

See ya,
Jay

Susan, congratulations on being able to button your dress pants. It is a wonderful feeling.
Jay, I'm the same way by remembering exercises and how to use the machines. I've been doing it all since I was 18, not to mention doing the exercises with my mom when I was younger. I've had instructors tell me they can tell I already know how to do everything by my skill level. I just don't stick to it. I ran five miles when I was in the Army!!! I've let myself go and now I have to start over. I'm ready. I doubt if I'll run anymore though, except for a very, very short distance, if any.

:woohoo: some great successes on this thread this week! A late work day, and I'm gonna turn in early tonight. I did get in 45 minutes of exercise when I got home :)

Hope you all have a GREAT Friday!

I had a great day. Stayed OP. I heard on a financial show that we need to run weight loss the same way we approach financial budgeting. Stay focused. So I have made healthy eating/lifestyle my priority. Yesterday I did the final goodbyes to my old life and I'm better for it. Today I'm thinking and doing, instead of thinking and eating. I've always felt good about myself, but now I feel like I've stopped being a people pleaser, which helps to get things done so much faster and helps me to feel better about myself. My "to do" list is empty and I can concentrate. I'm amazed I have been with 3FC for over a month. In the past, I was lucky to make it for one day. I had given up. I hope this makes sense. I know what I want to say, but I'm not sure how to put it in words.

Busy day yesterday . . . but, once again, I managed to avoid the nasty foods that were calling to me and I am proud. :D

Today will be a hibernation day for me -- not that I'm superstitious of course :o -- just a believer in that old saw about it being better to be safe than sorry.

This is also the second day in a row of sunny, but extremely cold and windy weather -- know you couldn't exist without my daily weather reports. :p

New low! 155.5. Love the new digital scale I bought...it shows partial pounds, which is encouraging in both directions, whether you lose or gain. I'm nervous, afraid I'll get complacent. Got to keep going!

I woke up this morning, read a good book on changing eating behaviors, hope it puts me up in a positive mind set for the rest of the day. Realized part of why I eat is that it's just plain easier than making an effort to change. Habits set up by a lifetime of poor eating have to be broken and that takes work. This time I'm going to do it!

Meowee, happy hibernating. Jada, never thought about eating and finances in the same way but you're right. Have always been lax about both. Keeping a daily diary seems to be helpful. I write down how I want my day to go activity wise as well as food wise. I also am keeping a strict accounting of what I spend now that I'm retired from my desk job and only have social security and my teaching earnings to depend on. I don't always stick with the plan, but it helps alot.

Counting down, just viewed your pictures, you look absolutely fabulous! Don't have time to read your story, hope to catch up on it later. Have a great day everyone.

Jada - good for you! And I agree, I approach weight loss very much the same as finances - it is sooo much easier to overspend than to budget in a way that compensates for prior "frivolity". I keep reminding myself that staying on track is key!

Linda - I didn't even think about the date today until I read your post :lol:


Susan - thanks for your kind words! :congrat: on your weight loss - you are doing spectacularly! And, you are right - old habits are hard to break. Journaling really helped me - that and being here every day. I used the accountability thread here in 50+ and did some of the BL contests in addition to posting here :)

A good day here - very balanced. The sun is shining, and it might actually get into the 50s next week :D

My ebay jeans came today, and they fit perfectly! I LOVE being able to buy clothes online. Last fall when I was in TN when my step-father died, I found a pair of DKNY jeans on the sale rack at TJ Maxx. They fit perfectly - I've never had a pair of jeans that fit so well and were so comfortable. While Dillards and Macy's sell them, I've not been able to convince myself that I need a pair of jeans that are over $50. So, I've beeen scouring ebay for them. I found 3 pair in my size and took a chance.
:woohoo:

Hope you are all having a good start to the weekend! I've got church activities planned for most of it.

Hope you have a perfectly OP Saturday!

Hi everyone. What a group.:grouphug:
Everyone is exercising and losing and stay OP. I have had a good week as well. Down a couple of pounds so happy about that.

I am a bit like Linda though. I always wonder if I am going to stay down. I am battleing the Easter candy here at work and am winning. So happy about that.:D
Jay sounds like I have a similar eye problem. They have said viral infection as well but it started with an actual tiny tear that does not want to heal. Actually today it is about the best it has been for a long time and I am in a much better mood. My moods sure affect my food plan. Or should I say wipe out the FP.:(
Next week I am going to get in some exercise no matter what. Maybe start on Sunday. It is supposed to be a rainy day so a good day to go work out.
Good work to Laurie and Linda and Susan for the weight loss.
Jada I am right behind you on that scale. Well you passed me!! So now I want to be in the 220's as well. If I can stay OP this weekend and get in a walk that will be great.
I did some cooking last night to pre plan. Nothing worse for me on the weekend is not planning. I will eat a good breakfast then all of a sudden it is 4pm and I have not eaten all day and then I am grabbing all the wrong things.
I think that timing your food is huge. It has been a big downfall of mine. I actually think it is just lazy weekend habits and an excuse to eat the wrong things. I like no structure on the weekend and so that may be my first clue. But this weekend I want to hang onto that loss and add to it.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Cheers....Jude:hat:

I'm so happy for everybody who lost weight. There's no greater happiness than to see the scale go down (and to hear chocolate is good for you).
I love hearing weather reports from everyone. It's so interesting to read about what's happening in other parts of the world.
It makes me nervous to buy things without trying them on. I do it, but it makes me nervous. Nice when they fit, especially to have perfect fitting jeans. Always fun to try out a new scale too.
It's beautiful in Las Vegas. Turned on the air conditioner today. I also set up my calories today like I set up my check book as I love budgeting and making lists. I have two columns with calories used and the balance. I also wrote down the times I will eat and what, or I will eat everything in one sitting.

Well still at work same day. I am working hard to stay OP. Just thought I would take a look at the BMI scale. Now that is a scary thing. I would have to be 16o to be out of obseity and into just overweight. Now that would be nice. Either that or I have to start to grow.:D
Always nice to come back and see a post from some else.....
Jude

Oh, Jude, it would be great to weigh 160!! We will do it!! It's 9:30PM here, and I'm not hungry. Looks like I'll make it to bedtime without cravings.

I don't understand my not losing weight, but I've enjoyed "budgeting" my calories. I have my daily eating plan on my fridge and I have a weeks worth of daily menu sheets so I can check off what I eat, so I don't conveniently forget to write something down. Better get walking. It's great weather today. Have a good day everybody.